Amber Gott, Online Community Managerfor LastPass.com joins Jim and Rich to talk about online password management and security. Online security has always been a hot topic, and it’s only going to be more so as time goes on. With that in mind, there’s never been a better time to look at how you’re handling your online presence, specifically the passwords you use for site logins, be it a gaming site or commerce such as Amazon.com.

To start with, people are known for using the same password across multiple sites because it’s too hard remembering all the site/password combinations. Or they have a similar reason. Quite often, they use very simple passwords that are easily guessable. Passwords such as ‘123456’ and ‘password’ are just plain horrible choices. Dictionary-based passwords such as ‘smellycat’ are not much better. They’re way too obvious and lack any level of complexity that would prevent someone from cracking them. So this presents a huge security hole, one that could cause a lot of heartache, not to mention significant financial loss. And yes, this stuff really happens. Every single day!

This is where LastPass comes in. LastPass is a secure password manager that integrates with your favorite web browser for the purpose of managing online sites and passwords. It stores those sites and passwords in an encrypted vault which you alone can access. All that’s required of you is to remember a single master password. And while you’re at it, you really ought to make it a complex password, one with at least 8-characters, though longer is always better. And it ought to contain at least one each of the following:

…because this password is the key to your online kingdom. Oh, and you’d best not forget it because LastPass keeps no record of your password whatsoever. That’s right. There is no ‘answer a secret question for a password reset’ workaround. And this is by design. Your master password stays with you. When you type it in, it’s concatenated with your username (email address), and then hashed with SHA to create an encryption key. This is the key used to encrypt/decrypt your vault locally, i.e., the process takes place right there on your computer. Not online. That means you never have to worry about someone at LastPass accessing your vault. They wouldn’t, of course, but more than that, they can’t. You alone hold the master password, and your key never leaves your computer.

And what about credit card numbers and shipping information? Do you dislike typing out all that stuff when making an online purchase? LastPass has you covered there. Create a new Form Fill Profile to hold such personal information as name, address, gender, birthday, SSN, credit card number, bank account routing number, and any related notes you’d like, and LastPass safely stores this alongside your passwords in the vault.

LastPass offers free and paid subscription versions. The subscription is dirt cheap at $12/year. What do you gain? Take a look at this comparison page, and you’ll see that phone/mobile apps are one additional feature. Yubikey support is another. Yubikey provides one of a number of ways to implement multi-factor authentication, something which provides an extra layer of security for logging into LastPass when you’re at less than ideal location such as a hotel, public library, or any open wi-fi.

Is it time to secure your online life? You bet it is. So head over to https://lastpass.com and get started by hitting the Download LastPass button and grabbing the installer. Once you’re done with installation and setup, take the LastPass Security Challenge. That’ll show you just where you stand with your own online password security, and what you can do to improve it.

You’re going to love the “…password manager that makes browsing easier and more secure.”

-Rich

Rich’s RPG is a podcast hosted by Jim Collison and Rich O’Neil in Google+ Hangout. We talk tech with like-minded folks, covering stuff that’s interesting to us. No outlines, no agenda, no worries. And we welcome newcomers. Got your headset and a bit of free time? Join us on the show by contacting us at: podcast@theaverageguy.tv or rich@theaverageguy.tv

Podcast Reviews

Really enjoy the podcast. Each week’s episode provides a wide variety of topics and tech gadgets out there. The guests are always knowledge and add tremendous depth to the podcast. Keep it up, guys.

OK - I'm a Tech Geek

July 22, 2017 by stevesleep from United States

I admit it. I love tech. I can't get involved in everything so it's great listening to Home Gadget Geeks. Keeps me updated on everything from blockchains to BBQ. Good job Jim and Mike!

Great show, Outstanding Host

December 2, 2016 by Ross Brand from United States

I am not only a fan of Jim Collison's podcasts, but I had the priviledge to be a guest on Home Gadget Geeks. Jim is a terrific interviewer and facilitiates informative and entertaining conversations. For anyone who wants to improve at podcasting, Jim is an excellent resource to follow and learn from. I highly recommend subscribing to Home Gadget Geeks and checking out the rest of Jim's content at theaverageguy.tv website.

I’m not one of those subscribe-to-every-tech podcast out there kinda guys. I’m technically inclined, but bored easily with those high brow “I”m the smartest guy in the room and want everybody to know it.” Jim is a terrific host and conversationalist. I can easily listen to Jim and his guests knowing I may be the dumbest guy in the room, but they always make me feel smarter for listening.

Informative and entertaining

October 6, 2014 by mavace from United States

There is a reason I look forward to this show each week and that is because it is the perfect mix of information and entertainment. Jim and his guests are great to listen to and I come away having learned something every week.

VPNs for secure WiFi, ethical hacking, and more, great stuff!

June 23, 2014 by tinkererguy from United States

I always enjoy listening to Christian, and the various guests Jim just keeps managing to find. You'll want to pay attention to this podcast, it requires it, in a good way!

Great show

August 4, 2013 by vitony from United States

One of the best shows for the home pc enthusiast. I've been listening to it each week for over two years and I'd highly recommend it. Jim and team are very professional and the show is very informative.

What would we do without you?

August 15, 2012 by Hyper-VG from Canada

This is one podcast you dont want to miss. They may talk alot of tech but they make it so anyone can understand it. Dont get lost in the tech jungle list to what they say and do your research. Subscribe and be treated to a ton of knowlage.

Great tech show

August 14, 2012 by erik_the_tall from United States

Jim is a nut! A tech nut! Great show for folks looking to scratch their tech itch.

Awesome show!

August 12, 2012 by misslissa808 from United States

so sorry, seems i left a review under my husband's name of pytheas2.0! LOL! well, now he is subscribed :) but thanks for hosting a great show with a variety of information! I'm a photographer and no where near knowing about techy stuff, so maybe i'll learn a thing or two and impress my husband ;)

Thanks for this great podcast !

July 31, 2012 by Ryan Heatherly from Australia

Just wanted to let you guys know that this is a good podcast to subsribe to, to get the latest news on the tech scene :)
Networking, Phones, Servers. All you need. And they do host giveaways of exciting products every now and then :)

Excellent Podcast!!

July 31, 2012 by Rocky53382456 from United States

Easily a winner when it comes to knowing their stuff!! These guys always seem to know what I am thinking, and just put the info out there! Keep up the great work, Hands down, the friendliest bunch around!

Take it from me

July 30, 2012 by RichinFL from United States

If you have a connected home, you owe it to yourself to listen to this podcast. The tips, tricks and news save me tons of time from browsing a ton of websites constantly.

Great!

July 25, 2012 by Kaylley Williams from United States

Pretty Tech savvy. Thanks!

Great Info

July 25, 2012 by Katja Wright Photography from United States

Very informative and also entertaining - keep up the good work!

Great info

July 25, 2012 by NickAMoore from United States

Excellent show with information you can use.

Great resource!

July 25, 2012 by vegasstace from United States

Informative and entertaining!

Becoming My Favorite Podcast

July 24, 2012 by awraynor from United States

I first hear Jim over at the HomeServer Show podcast. I quickly became interested in a home server after my
desktop literally crashed (was knocked over) by my 13 year old. My wife then game me carte blanche to recover
my wedding/honeymoon photos and then guarantee they were never at risk again.
When he went out on his own at theaverageguy I made sure to listen every week. His cohosts are great, with
Christian making me feel like such an underachiever. When you realize how young he is you will feel the same
way too. I also like how the internet/podcasts have helped tech geeks from all over the world come together
and discuss their common interests.
Subscribe, you won't be disappointed.

Great Tech Show

July 23, 2012 by G.WadeTech from United States

I am one of the rotational guest on the show. I enjoy my turn in talking about tech with the regulars and enjoy listening to the show weekly. I like that The Home Tech Podcast brings together a good group of people and is such a nice community to learn from. Thanks for the oppurtunities and the podcasts... keep them going.

Good stuff

July 23, 2012 by Busy busy 123 from United States

Great show; thanks for sharing your knowledge in an easy to understand way!

Great Podcast

July 23, 2012 by Samantha Beauchamp from United States

Found out about you from the Jpeg2Raw podcast awhile back! Great stuff here!

Great show for the home tech nerd :-)

July 23, 2012 by juanissimo from United States

Great show for the home tech nerd. :-)

Excellent Show

April 15, 2012 by Joe_Miner from United States

Excellent tech show for the average guy that provides the information we need.

Home Tech delivered with fun.

December 12, 2011 by ukhomeservershowgeek from United Kingdom

Great team of tech heads spun out from the homeservershow. Great listening for all home tech including home storage and pc based homes. One of my top 5 podcasts. I am in UK but all good from US and AUS perspective.

The Home Tech Podcast

October 25, 2011 by random.rich from United States

This is a great show! with an interesting mix of guests and topics. Jim pulls from his circle of tech friends to round out his weekly podcast discussions.